Kids can have power

But whether you're a girl or a boy, you might feel like kids don't have much power. You can't vote for a president, drive a car or even decide what time to go to bed!

What can kids do to make a difference in the world?

Jesus wanted us to know everyone has power -- even kids. In this week's Gospel (Mark 12:41-44), He reminds us that even a little thing can make a big difference, if it's done with love.

Jesus was at the temple (like church) when He saw people putting money in the collection. Many rich people put in lots of money, but then a poor woman came along and just put in two pennies. Jesus told His disciples, "She put in more than all the others, because they gave their extra money, but she gave all she had."

The poor woman in the Gospel story probably wasn't thinking about what she was doing, either. She was just going to the temple to pray and putting in the little bit of money she had. She was probably embarrassed that she didn't have more to give.

It's easy to say, "I'm just a kid. I don't have anything to give, either!" But like Jesus told His followers, it's not important how much you give, just that you give what you've got.

Kids don't have money, but you have energy! You can collect things for poor people or do a "walk-a-thon" to raise money for charity. Ask grownups for other ideas.

If Jesus heard you yelling "girl power!" He wouldn't just join in. He'd yell, "KID power!"

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, help me use "kid power" to help other people! Amen.